Introducing the 2016 Community Leaders Program Class

Genesis Gavino

Genesis Gavino is a Senior Management Fellow with the City of Tacoma’s Neighborhood and Community Services Department where she analyzes and develops policy to address human and social issues specific to homelessness and housing stability. She is Filipino, born and raised in American Samoa and committed to making a difference in her community. Genesis has found her calling in serving the marginalized and most vulnerable populations of the community through public service. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management in 2014 from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. Her volunteer work includes serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Southeast Youth and Family Services, a local non-profit located in Columbia City committed to assisting children, youth and their families to achieving safe, self-sufficient and stable lives.

Vicky Su

Vicky Su came to the U.S. at age 16 from her native China to pursue a better education. She is graduating from Whitman College on May 22, 2016 with a B.A. in rhetoric studies and a minor in sociology. She is currently seeking a role related to communication, which allows her to explore her passion for civic engagement, social justice and popular culture. Over the course of four years at Whitman, she has worked with a team of seven students to create and execute a groundbreaking conference about the hierarchical power and privilege on the Whitman campus, which is now part of the College’s official annual calendar. She also serves on the nomination committee for Whitman’s student government, striving to select leaders who represent a diverse student body. She is a big movie fan and an authentic foodie. She loves meeting new people and dogs from all around the world.

Brianne Ramos

Brianne Ramos identifies as Chamorro and Filipino. She was born on the island of Guam and raised in Olympia, Washington. She attended the University of Washington and earned a bachelor’s degree in Medical Anthropology and Global Health with a minor in Diversity. Currently, Brianne works as the Project Coordinator for the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. She is also active on the steering committee of the Pacific Islander Health Board and is passionate about achieving equity in health and education for Asian and Pacific Islander communities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading with her godchildren, practicing Chamorro culture through language and dance, and chasing the sun.

Gabby Ibanez-Dacruz

Gabriella “Gabby” Ibanez-Dacruz, a Washington native, is a multiracial first generation American- her father being born in Portugal and her mother from the Philippines. Being the first in her family to graduate college, Gabby has received her Bachelor’s in Community Psychology from the University of Washington Bothell. Through her education, she has developed a passion for addressing the inequalities we face as a society and striving to surpass the hurdles to achieving social justice in order to embrace our beautiful intersectional lives. Since the age of six, Gabby has participated in the Girl Scouts of the USA, devoting her time to providing leadership and strong role models for the future generations of young women. In her free time, Gabby enjoys spending time with her large and blended family, especially her 8 nieces and nephews. To unwind, she also enjoys curling up with a good book on her Kindle, a cup of tea, and a warm blanket.

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